Missing woman found dead after falling into lake during dog walk

AND a woman from Massachusetts who went missing on Christmas Eve was found dead in a frozen lake, and authorities believe she fell into the icy water while walking her dog.

Owen Kasozi, 30, was last seen entering the JC Phillips Nature Preserve in Beverly, Mass., around 3 p.m. Tuesday, and authorities launched a search for her after she did not return, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office said. rid.

“On behalf of Beverly Police DepartmentI would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Owen Kasozi,” said Beverly Police Chief John G. LeLacheur. “I would also like to thank all the first responders for being able to give the family some degree of closure after this difficult search process.”

Kasozi was reportedly walking her dog in a nature reserve before she disappeared. Authorities said the nature reserve is a popular dog-walking spot frequented by residents.

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Owen Kasozi, 30, of Danvers, Mass., was found dead in Lake Wenham in Beverly, Beverly Police Chief John G. LeLacheur and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker announced Dec. 25. (GoFundMe)

Authorities noted that Kasozi’s dog was located safely in Topsfield, Massachusetts after the disappearance of the pet owner.

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said authorities believe the 30-year-old woman was walking or jogging on a trail with her puppy when she fell into the icy lake and was unable to get out. Temperatures were below freezing on Tuesday.

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Authorities do not suspect foul play at this time, but the official cause of Kasozi’s death is pending an investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), the state attorney’s office said. Fox News Digital has reached out to OCME for comment.

“This is not the outcome of the search that anyone was hoping for,” Tucker said. “We appreciate the efforts of all our law enforcement partners who worked diligently over Christmas and Christmas day locate Owen Kasozi. Our thoughts are with her family as they begin to cope with this painful loss.”

Her family announced her death, saying she had a “vibrant soul”. (GoFundMe)

In a GoFundMe, her family recalled Kasozi’s “bubbly” personality.

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“In a heartbreaking accident, she fell into a lake in the park and succumbed to the cold, leaving us all in shock and grief,” her family wrote. “Owen was a lively soul who brought joy and laughter to all she met. Her passion for life was contagious and she had a unique ability to make those around her feel valued and loved. She deeply valued her family and friends, and her the absence will be deeply felt in our lives.”